Lions Making a Difference in the Community

— by Cara Russell —

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Orcas Lions are truly generous creatures—the nice people who wear the purple with gold trim vests, and have a ‘cute pin’ addiction. Also known as the Orcas Island Lions Club (OILC), the volunteer members were out at the Village Green on Sunday, August 17, from 3 p.m. — 5 p.m., for a special event, sharing with Orcas residents information on all of the important community needs that are being met because of them.

From the young to the old and everyone in between, each year OILC raises and distributes local funds back into our community. And for 39 years, they have been responsible for such activities as the Holiday Baskets for the elderly and shut-ins, Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny for the young ones, free mobility equipment, Leader Dogs, Sight and Hearing Health Screening Van, assists at the Blood Drive, and much more.

Did you know that the Lions rent out their big white tents for weddings and other events during the summer months? The money earned on these rentals goes to fund scholarships for graduating Orcas Seniors, who receive on average around $10,000 a year. This years’ graduating seniors received $17,000 from OILC. This reporter remembers being a recipient of one of these scholarships over a decade ago, and to this day I am still grateful for the assistance from OILC in obtaining my BA.

But the biggest fundraisers of the year are still the Salmon BBQ and the Run for the Grub Raffle. Run for the Grub is one of OILC longest-running fundraisers, and the proceeds go to support Camp Horizon—a Lions summer camp for profoundly disabled teens and adults.

Located in Birch Bay, Washington, Camp Horizon gives special individuals a fun get away from their daily lives, with a week-long camping experience where they are supported by counselors, with two counselors to one camper—and in some cases, one on one. The Orcas Lions would like to encourage any Orcas Island residents with special needs to sign up for the camp.

Also at Sunday’s event, kids received free toys and candy, and everyone a free dinner of pulled-pork sandwiches with slaw. With the shade of a white tent and a beer garden, Islanders ate their free sandwich, and enjoyed conversation while watching the Music in the Park concert and discussing how they, too. can donate.

OILC is recruiting right now, and while they are looking for ‘good’ volunteers, they are especially looking to build their ‘young’ members—individuals under the age of 60.

“We would love to add good quality volunteers for our community involvement,” said Lion Ed Zimmerman. “This organization is the most generous and giving to the community of any organizations that I belong to.”

If you would like to become a Lions member, or would like to donate to one of their many community activities, call 1-888-698-6607 or visit the website.